P.E.I. doctor warns air horns can damage hearing
Concerns Raised Over Air Horns in Hockey Arenas
CHARLOTTETOWN –
Prince Edward Island’s chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has raised concerns about the use of ear-splitting air horns in hockey arenas, warning that they can cause damage to hearing.
In a letter sent to hockey associations in the province last month, Dr. Morrison highlighted the potential harmful effects of compressed air horns commonly used by hockey fans during games.
Citing medical research, Dr. Morrison pointed out that compressed air horns can generate sounds exceeding 100 decibels, well above the safe threshold of 70 decibels. This can pose a significant risk to the hearing health of individuals exposed to such loud noises.
John Abbott, the general manager of the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown, acknowledged that the arena previously had an informal policy of discouraging the use of air horns. However, following Dr. Morrison’s letter, the administration has taken a stricter stance by officially banning these devices and displaying posters to inform visitors.
Keith Ford, a coach for Charlottetown’s Minor Hockey Association, expressed support for Dr. Morrison’s initiative. Having witnessed the use of air horns in arenas over his 30-plus years of coaching, Ford emphasized the importance of safeguarding the hearing health of players, spectators, and staff.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 7, 2025.
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